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Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS: 

This report highlights the December 1999 activities of the Public Affairs Office which includes the following activities: Environ-mental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings, Business Assistance, Intergovernmental Affairs and Media Communications.

COMMITTEE: 

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

The following report reflects the activities of the Public Affairs Office for the month of December. The report format includes five major areas: Environmental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings (including the Speakers Bureau, Visiting Dignitaries and Public Information Center), Business Assistance, Intergovernmental Affairs and Media Communications (including the Communication Center).

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

The following describes community events and public meetings that provided AQMD customers with air quality information during December.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
12/7-10	Los Angeles	Responded to calls from various Spanish-speaking residents of Inglewood and surrounding communities who were interested in participating in the particulate study near LAX. Took names and addresses and explained the focus of the study and process for selecting sites.
12/14	Orange	Participated in a meeting of the American Lung Association of Orange County's "Allies Against Asthma" group.
12/15	Los Angeles	Spoke with American Lung Association, Los Angeles, regarding possible AQMD support of a children’s clean air club and accompanying web site. ALA staff is to provide more detailed information on program costs and program deliverables.
12/16	Los Angeles	Spoke with Headstart program coordinator who requested 100 copies of all AQMD Spanish-language materials to include in training classes for teachers and parents. Also invited AQMD staff to provide update on Air Quality Index and smog and health information at seminars being held Jan. 8 in Los Angeles and Jan. 10 in San Bernardino. We will attend both sessions.

Speakers Bureau / Visiting Dignitaries / Information Requests

The District hosts distinguished visitors from around the world, as well as members of the general public, who visit our headquarters to tour the facility and meet with staff on a wide range of air quality issues. The following describes the major activities during December.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
12/8	Headquarters	A delegation from France met with Engineering & Compliance staff on RECLAIM.

Public Information Center Statistics

The Public Information Center handles the District’s visitors and handles general information phone calls.

Visitor Transactions	Info Packages Mailed	Calls Received by PIC Staff	Calls to Auto-mated System	Total Phone Calls Received
383	309	390	4,377	4,767

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

AQMD assists businesses by notifying them of proposed regulations so they can participate in their development by providing one-to-one assistance. Staff also works with other agencies and states to identify efficient, cost-effective ways to reduce air pollution and shares that information broadly.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
12/7	Los Angeles	Former Naval Shipyard Assets Distribution Project. Provided assistance in completing new equipment permit applications for old Navy equipment which will remain on-site. Facility and ownership will be transferred to the contractor leasing the facility.
12/7	Los Angeles	Small dry cleaner: Operating in violation of Rule 1421 and was issued an NOV. At District Prosecutor’s request, staff conducted an on-site consultation meeting and provided assistance in achieving compliance with District requirements.
12/8	Orange	Cabinet manufacturer: Proposing to relocate manufacturing operation. Requested express permitting per Rule 301 for spray booth. Conducted on-site visit and provided assistance completing the application package.
12/8	Los Angeles	Hospital: Requested on-site consultation to verify compliance with District rules and regulations and annual fees. Visited the hospital and helped the facility ensure compliance. Also helped with accounting issues for annual fee billing.
12/9	Orange	Construction company: Plans to install an emergency engine/generator. Assisted the applicant in completing a permit application.
12/9	Los Angeles	Permitted coating operation: Plans to relocate within the AQMD. Provided assistance explaining the District's rule requirements for new equipment permits for relocation.
12/10	Los Angeles	Small dry cleaner: Permit application was denied; is operating in violation of Rules 203 & 1401. Conducted an on-site consultation and provided assistance in achieving compliance with District requirements.
12/14–17	Los Angeles	Staff provided air quality clearance letters for companies in the cities and areas of: Brea, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Hemet, Hesperia, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Orange, Pasadena, Santa Ana, South El Monte, and Valencia.
12/14	Los Angeles	Equipment rental company: Received violation for operating abrasive blasting room/dust collector without permit. Visited facility and assisted in filling out permit application. Also discussed company’s efforts to find compliant coating for painting their equipment.
12/15	Los Angeles	Auto body repair shop: Mistakenly cancelled spray booth permit several years ago and wants to obtain new permit. Also, another booth was modified without submitting an application. Visited shop and assisted with filling out applications for both spray booths.
12/15	Los Angeles	Printing company: Wanted to determine which of four printing presses require permits. Visited facility and discussed Rule 219 exemptions and company’s current recordkeeping. Made suggestions for improvements in recordkeeping procedures and will return again to review.
12/15	Los Angeles	New car dealer body shop: Failed to renew permit for one spray booth and received a violation. Visited facility and assisted in completing application for new permit.
12/15	Orange	Metal coating facility: Change of ownership regarding a paint spray booth. Provided permit application package, advised of fees, and assisted in completing the applications. Also provided and explained Rules 109, 1107 & 1171. Assistance was given in Spanish.
12/15	San Bernardino	Machine shop: Proposing to change solvent cleaning operations to water-based cleaners. Discussed rule requirements and provided list of suppliers.
12/16	Orange	Plating company: Walk-in applicant received a Notice to Comply for failing to provide recordkeeping. Explained rule requirements, recordkeeping, and assisted with supporting documents needed to process their permit.
12/16	Los Angeles	Equipment rental company: Provided assistance on permit application for portable diesel engines.
12/16	San Bernardino	Auto body shop: Requested assistance regarding permit issues (referral from the District Prosecutor). Interfaced with Engineering & Permit Services to resolve permit application issues.
12/16	Los Angeles	Home furniture manufacturer: Owner installed spray booth and wanted to obtain permit. Visited shop and helped complete application.
12/17	Orange	Food flavoring manufacturer: Installing a flavor blending and packaging system. Conducted on-site visit, explained rule requirements, recordkeeping, and assisted in determining equipment permit exemption under Rule 219.
12/17	Orange	Small dry cleaner: Plans to replace existing aging machine which causes Rule 1421 violations. Requested assistance filing an application for installing a new dry cleaning machine.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS ACTIVITY

Intergovernmental Affairs works with local government, state and federal officials in response to their air quality concerns and local issues. Additionally, staff administers the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
12/1	San Bernardino	Attended SANBAG Board Meeting. Discussed the proposed new fleet rule with mayors, council members, and staff from Colton, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Rialto, and Ontario.
12/1	Riverside	Attended Canyon Lake City Council Meeting. Discussed the results of the recently completed "smog season" and the proposed 1999 Amendment to the 1997 Ozone SIP Revision with the mayor, council members, and city manager.
12/1	Los Angeles	Met with Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Feuer to discuss air quality issues related to the Breitburn Energy Project.
12/1	Los Angeles	Attended Gateway Cities COG Meeting in Cerritos.
12/2	Districtwide	Attended SCAG Implementation and Policy Committees and Regional Council Meetings. Discussed the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) Board’s action regarding their alternative fuel bus purchase policy with respect to their upcoming bus purchase with RTA board members from Moreno Valley, Corona, and Hemet and with the executive director of Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG).
12/2	Los Angeles	Met with Marco Firebaugh’s District field staff regarding a constituent complaint.
12/2	Los Angeles	Spoke with Congresswoman Grace Napolitano about MATES II findings.
12/3	Districtwide	Participated in AB 2766 Outreach Committee Meeting with COGs and City of Los Angeles staff where presentation was made on MATES II and the Fleet Rule.

12/6	Riverside	Attended Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Executive Committee. Discussed the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) Board’s upcoming bus purchase with RTA board members from Moreno Valley and Corona and with the executive directors of Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG).
12/6	Los Angeles	Attended public information meeting on LAXT Coke Storage Dome at the Peck Park Auditorium in San Pedro.
12/7	Los Angeles	Participated in South Bay Cities COG Executive Steering Committee Meeting at Redondo Beach City Hall.
12/7	Los Angeles	Participated in Huntington Park Mayor’s Air Quality Improvement Committee at City Hall.
12/8	Riverside	Attended Riverside County Transportation Commission Meeting (RCTC) Board Meeting. Discussed the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) Board’s upcoming bus purchase with Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) staff.
12/8	Riverside	Met with Toni Kachevas, City of Riverside, regarding the Northwest Riverside Clean Cities Coalition.
12/8	Los Angeles	Participated in US EPA Meeting on LAX Health Effects at the Federal Building in Hawthorne.
12/8	Los Angeles	Participated in MATES II and Fleet Rule briefing to MTA’s Planning and Operations Management staff in Los Angeles.
12/8	Los Angeles	Spoke with Mayor of Pico Rivera about MATES II issues.
12/9	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff at Huntington Park concerning American Remedial Systems.
12/9	Los Angeles	Spoke with Chief of Staff to Congressman Rogan (for the Pasadena field office) about a meeting with Barry Wallerstein to discuss prescribed burning.
12/14	Districtwide	Attended Alternative Fuels Symposium in Long Beach. Discussed potential alternative fuel vehicle and infrastructure projects with city and council of government officials from Montclair, Ontario, Moreno Valley, Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG), and South Bay Council of Governments (SBCOG).

12/14	Riverside	Attended and participated in a meeting with mayor and staff of the City of Riverside to discuss alternatives available to more effectively satisfy the city’s Rule 2202 requirements as well as more effectively use their AB 2766 Subvention Funds.
12/14	Los Angeles	Participated in Huntington Park Mayor’s Task Force/Air Quality Improvement Committee at Huntington Park City Hall to discuss MATES II strategies.
12/15	San Bernardino	Attended San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Plans & Programs Committee Meeting. Discussed AB 2766 Outreach program with SANBAG Staff.
12/15	Los Angeles	Attended Department of Toxic Substance Control Community Meeting at John H. Francis Polytechnic High School.
12/16	Riverside/San Bernardino	Attended Inland Empire City Managers Meeting. Discussed the settlement of the suit brought by the environmental groups against the AQMD regarding the AQMP.
12/16	Los Angeles	Attended open house at Assemblymember Bob Pacheco’s field office.
12/21	Los Angeles	Attended Public Workshop on Proposed Rule 1190 (Fleet Rule).
12/21	Los Angeles	Participated in Huntington Park Air Quality Improvement Committee Meeting at Huntington Park City Hall.

MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

The Communications Unit is responsible for informing and educating the public through the media and through the District’s Communication Center.

Press Relations Highlights

Date	Media	Description of Activity
12/3	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Times on inspection at Sunshine Canyon Landfill.
12/3	Newsletter	Provided information to Inside Washington Publications on fleet rule.
12/3	Radio	Provided information on AQMP amendment to Inland Empire News Radio.
12/3	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Times on LAX monitoring.
12/7	Internet	Provided photo and information on PM10 sampling to www.enn.com.
12/7	Newsletter	Provided information to BNA on Board meeting.
12/7	Newspaper	Provided information to the Los Angeles Times on oil refinery capacities.
12/7	Newsletter	Provided information on AQMP amendment to Inside Cal-EPA.
12/8	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Daily News on asbestos notice to comply issued to Sherman Oaks apartment building.
12/8	Newspapers	Provided information to San Gabriel Valley Tribune, San Bernardino County Sun and Orange County Register on Board meeting.
12/8	Newspaper	Provided information to the San Jose Mercury News on car scrapping.
12/8	Newspaper	Provided information on Golden Valley High School site to the Los Angeles Daily News.
12/9	Newspaper	Provided information to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on AQMP amendment.
12/9	Newspapers/ Wire Services	Sent out media advisory on AQMP amendment adoption hearing.
12/10	All	Distributed Board Summary to Media.
12/10	All	Distributed news release to area media and held news briefing on settlement.
12/10	Newspapers/ Wire Service	Provided information to San Bernardino County Sun, Riverside Press-Enterprise, Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times, San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Associated Press on water heater rule, smog pager program and lawsuit settlement.
12/10	Newspaper	Provided information on appeal of Bob Wondries' permits to the Pasadena Star-News.
12/12	Wire Service	Provided information to Associated Press regarding the lawsuit settlement.
12/12	Wire Service	Provided information on smog forecast to Associated Press.
12/14	Newspaper	Provided information on Rule 403 to the Los Angeles Times.
12/14	Newspaper	Provided information on air quality rules to the Fort-Worth Star-Telegram.
12/15	Newsletter	Provided information on the proposed fleet rule workshop to News Fuels Report.
12/16	Newspaper	Provided information on smog pager program to the Daily Breeze.
12/16	Newsletter	Provided information on lawsuit settlement to Air Daily.
12/16	Newsletter	Arranged to provide information on 1402 workshop attendees to Inside Cal/EPA.
12/16	Radio	Provided information on PM10 efficient streetsweeper requirement to Inland Empire Radio News.
12/16	Newspaper	Provided information on background levels of toxic air pollution to the Pasadena Star-News.

*Communication Center Statistics

The Communication Center handles all District main line, CUT-SMOG line and Spanish line calls.

Main Line Calls	CUT-SMOG Line	After Hours Calls*	Spanish Line Calls	Total Phone Calls
2,466	2,867	850	41	6,224

*Saturday, Sunday and after 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

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